9 French Fry Alternatives for the Fast-Food Family

Families seem busier than ever these days. Between activities, school, homework, and everything in-between, there’s not a whole lot of time to prepare meals at home. Fast-food restaurants are a go-to for many families. We get it. It’s quick, it’s easy, and let’s face, it tastes good. We also know that trying to transition your family from fast-food to healthier food items can be a challenge. If you want your family to eat a little more healthy but don’t want to sacrifice the taste and feel of the food your family is used to, then this list is for you! Here are some alternatives to traditional french fries. They are healthy, easy to prepare, and taste great!

1. Baked Sweet Potato Fries– sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, making these fries a healthy version.

2. Roasted Carrot Fries– carrots are high in vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate. To prepare them yourself, cut washed and peeled carrots into ½-inch sticks, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake them at 450° for 12 minutes.

3. Cauliflower Tater Tots– these are lower in fat and calories than traditional potato tater tots. To prepare, mix cooked (and mashed) cauliflower with flour, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and one egg. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes in a sprayed muffin pan, turning once halfway through the cooking time.

4. Baked Zucchini Fries– zucchini is high in manganese, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6. To prepare, cut washed zucchini into 3-inch sticks. Dip the sticks into a egg/milk mixture, then into a parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 425° on a sprayed baking sheet for 30 minutes.

5. Kale Chips– kale is low in calories and high in fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They are also gluten-free. To prepare, simply bake washed, bite-sized pieces of kale at 350° for 15 minutes. Be sure to drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt prior to baking.

6. Baked Asparagus Fries– this version of fries is high in potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, thiamin, and riboflavin. To prepare, dip washed asparagus into flour, then into egg wash, and then into panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 375° on a sprayed baking sheet for 20 minutes.

7. Plantain Fries– plantains are the cousin to the banana. They are high in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. To prepare, cut them into fry shapes, place on a baking sheet, and brush with olive oil. Lightly salt and pepper, then bake at 400° for 20 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking time.

9. Green Bean Fries– these fries are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. They are also high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. To prepare, toss washed green beans with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake them at 450° for 25 minutes.